Norway has reaffirmed its commitment to pooling resources and actively mobilizing enterprises of all sectors to participate in the upcoming 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) to further strengthen the bonds of mutual benefit and enhance both the quality and effectiveness of bilateral trade cooperation.
The reaffirmation was made at a seminar on promoting the 9th (CIIE) which was held Tuesday in Oslo, Norway capital.
The seminar attracted representatives from about 40 Norwegian enterprises and institutions, with Norwegian representatives saying that the business and industrial circles across Norway attach great importance to economic and trade cooperation with China.
Hailed as a platform for high-level opening-up, the CIIE has opened a pragmatic and efficient pathway for Norwegian companies to showcase premium products, cutting-edge technologies, and professional services while deepening their footprint in the Chinese market, according to the event attendees.
The 9th CIIE is scheduled to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from Nov 5 to 10 this year.
The business exhibition features six major zones -- automobile and smart mobility, medical equipment and healthcare products, intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, food and agricultural products, and trade in services -- plus an innovation incubation special section, spanning over 360,000 square meters.
Norway reaffirms commitment to pooling resources, mobilizing enterprises to participate in 9th CIIE
Foreign visitors in multiple Chinese cities immersed themselves in Zongzi-making and dragon boat racing, two traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, gaining a hands-on experience of traditional Chinese culture while sharing the joy of the festival with the local people.
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it fell on June 19.
In Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, many foreign visitors took part in local intangible cultural heritage workshops where they got to make Zongzi with their own hands.
"So many people gather together to celebrate this festival and eat together. It's really good," said a visitor from Pakistan.
In Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, international students rolled up their sleeves alongside residents, stuffing rice with fillings, folding bamboo leaves, and tying the bundles with string. They also crafted scented sachets, a traditional item associated with the festival.
"This is my first time making Zongzi. They're stuffed with beans and red dates. The whole process was so fun. Traditional Chinese culture holds deep significance," said a student from Russia.
"Zongzi smelled amazing, and the atmosphere was wonderful. Everyone here felt just like one big family," said a student from Morocco.
Beyond Zongzi-making, foreign visitors in Beijing also raced dragon boats.
"This is my first time seeing such an activity, being involved in some traditional experience. It's good to interact with a lot of people. Riding a boat is very fun as well," said a visitor from Brazil.
Foreigners in China experience Duanwu Festival customs
